SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) - The number of dementia patients in South Korea will surpass one million, the health ministry reported Thursday, raising awareness of the need to prepare a comprehensive elderly care system to ease financial and manpower burdens on younger generations.
South Korea is one of the world's most rapidly aging societies, with about 20 percent of its population aged 65 and older. Coupled with the country's total fertility rate of 0.75 and an average life expectancy of about 89 years, the aging phenomenon is accelerating.
According to the dementia epidemiological and status survey results released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, an estimated 970,000 people in South Korea currently suffer from dementia. The number is expected to exceed one million in 2025 and may double to two million by 2044 if current trends continue.
The report also found that dementia affects 9.25 percent of people aged 65 and older, with about 30 percent showing signs of mild cognitive impairment — a condition that often precedes dementia.
Beyond dementia patients, their families bear the greatest collateral impact. Nearly half of caregivers reported feeling overwhelmed, spending an average of 18 hours per week providing care. The annual cost per patient is estimated at up to 31 million won ($23,000), with the majority of expenses going toward daily care.
In response, the government has pledged to improve early diagnosis and expand in-home care services. It also plans to increase support for family caregivers through programs such as long-term care subsidies and respite leave. However, ongoing challenges—including a shortage of care workers, overdependence on private facilities, and low public awareness about dementia—persist.
Meanwhile, Nordic countries like Sweden are widely regarded as models for elderly care, combining public-sector programs with digital technology.
Swedish Minister for Older People and Social Security Anna Tenje highlighted initiatives such as “social alarms,” GPS-enabled wearable devices that allow seniors to call for help, during her visit to Seoul last September.
“Dementia is one of the most pressing issues in elderly care,” Tenje said. “We must combine prevention, technology, and strong public systems to support aging societies.”
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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